Allianz in pole position for Malaysian firm: Report

Allianz Malaysia is in pole position to acquire AmGeneral Insurance, according to market reports. It is understood that Allianz is favoured ahead of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance, which was also on the shortlist to purchase AmGeneral.

The owners have applied for Bank Negara’s approval to allow Allianz to conduct due diligence on the business and formally proceed with negotiations on the terms of a transaction. However, if nothing is agreed it is possible that other parties could become involved in the process.

AmGeneral is Malaysia’s second largest motor insurer with a market share of 15% and altogether controls around M$1.5 billion of premium. If the deal goes ahead it may include a bancassurance agreement, which would give the right to distribute insurance products through AMMB’s branch network

The value of AmGeneral is around M$3.3 billion (US$800 million). Allianz Malaysia, which has both life and general insurance divisions, is listed on the Bursa Malaysia and has 37 branches across the country.

A spokesperson for Allianz said: “We decline to comment on market rumours.”

IAG has been keen to sell assets in Asia over the past year and has already sold its operations in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam to Tokio Marine.